The Japanese are well-known for their indulgence in simple spaces that are such a delight to spend time in, and KOKO Café and Patisserie is no exception. This charming establishment seamlessly blends Japanese-inspired confections with a warm, cozy ambiance.
Located at Tras Street right next to its sister restaurant Gyutantan which is known for charring meats, KOKO contrasts with the heat and energy of the restaurant with its quiet, minimalist approach, offering coffee, desserts and doughnuts.
Step Into a Hint of Japan at KOKO Cafe & Patisserie
A unique feature of Telok Ayer architecture are airwells within the shophouses that lend sunlight and brighten up spaces, and KOKO has played that to their advantage.
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The café’s design with pale wooden furniture and plants perfectly create harmony with the natural light that cascades from the sky, it almost feels like Japan.
Delight Your Tastebuds
The desserts play homage to the head pastry chef’s native Japan, and are typical of what you would expect from a café like that.
From its beautiful encased Apricot Almond Mousse to its Asian take on the Mont Blanc with yam, to the classic Strawberry Shortcake, the desserts are fluffy on texture and so light they could be easily finished before you realise it.
The yam mont blanc stood out with its whipped and piped yam that sat atop a meringue bed with hidden jam, spreading out concentrations of sugar.
The heavier desserts like the Okinawan rum chocolate sand, black cherry tart and basque cheesecake, were also done well. There are few who resist chocolate or endorphins, and the Chocolate Sand will not disappoint with sea salt in the biscuit that gently bursts out of the dark chocolate cream.
Choux puffs are piped on order, which should be a given to retain the crisp of the shell, but you will be surprised that many in town do not.
On doughnuts, KOKO prides itself in its seven flavour offerings piped to a full, including a traditional Japanese curry option. The pumpkin in the doughnut dough helps to retain moisture and lends sweetness, although one might prefer a doughnut without it.
Pick your Preferred Beverage – Coffee or Tea
Few cafes would specialise in both coffee and tea, and this is a differentiating factor for KOKO.
From matcha and hojicha options to artisanal coffee to lemonades and floats, KOKO has it all. Each cup is meticulously crafted by the barista, and does not skim on flavour.
Their milk floats are unique to the café, topped with Japanese ice cream, as with its Rose Matcha which has a pink milk foam on a glass of luscious matcha latte.
Spend your afternoon at KOKO at Tras Street
While its offerings are most delightful and should be the main reason to visit, go during the day to enjoy its ambience.
As a bonus, the window at the patio makes a perfect photo opportunity to complete your memory.
KOKO Cafe and Patisserie
Location: 43 Tras St, Singapore 078982
Opening hours: 9 am to 6 am, Monday to Saturday
Visit the KOKO CAFE Website
Visit the Instagram page
